Neuromuscular and psychological influences on range of motion recovery in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction patients

To identify distinguishing characteristics for knee surgery patients who experience a protracted recovery process, we sought to determine if there is an association between the neuromuscular stretch reflex and psychological factors of pain perception and anxiety on the range of motion (ROM) recovery rate of post-operative anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) rehabilitation patients. The ACLR participants were categorized into a slow recovery group (SRG: >6 weeks to recover 0–125° knee flexion [n = 10]) and a normal recovery group (NRG: <6 weeks to recovery 0–125° knee flexion [n = 12]). Control participants (n = 22) were age, gender and activity-level matched to the surgical participants. Neuromuscular testing consisted of sagittal plane video kinematics of the Wartenberg Pendulum Test for determining lower limb stiffness indices and electromyography-monitored patellar tendon tap reflex responses. Psychological and health status assessments consisted of the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory and SF-36? Health Survey. Data revealed that neuromuscular reflex profiles, lower limb stiffness indices, pain, anxiety and SF-36? indices of function were not significantly different between the two surgical groups (SRG and NRG). The surgical groups exhibited significantly greater pain (2.67 ± 2.27 SRG, 1.49 ± 1.15 NRG) than the control group (p ? .05). SF-36? indices were significantly lower for the surgical groups for total score (546.55 ± 94.70 SRG, 577.57 ± 125.58 NRG), function 69.00 ± 20.24 SRG, 67.08 ± 19.12 NRG), role physical (53.75 ± 22.85 SRG, 53.12 ± 23.15 NRG), social (76.24 ± 25.31 SRG, 65.62 ± 27.24 NRG), and emotional (82.49 ± 19.81 SRG, 81.38 ± 23.02 NRG) subscales (p ? .05). These results suggest that neuromuscular reflex responses, visual analogue scale (VAS) pain, and anxiety are not distinguishing factors for ROM recovery rate between the SRG and NRG. Decreased SF-36? indices, including pain as it influences function, though clinically relevant factors, were not statistically associated with post-operative ROM recovery rate.     

Performance limitation and the role of core temperature when wearing light-weight workwear under moderate thermal conditions

The objective of this investigation was to achieve an understanding about the relationship between heat stress and performance limitation when wearing a two-layerfire-resistant light-weight workwear (full-clothed ensemble) compared to an one-layer short sports gear (semi-clothed ensemble) in an exhaustive, stressful situation under moderate thermal condition (25 °C). Ten well trained male subjects performed a strenuous walking protocol with both clothing ensembles until exhaustion occurred in a climatic chamber. Wearing workwear reduced the endurance performance by 10% (p=0.007) and the evaporation by 21% (p=0.003), caused a more pronounced rise in core temperature during submaximal walking (0.7±0.3 vs. 1.2±0.4 °C; p≤0.001) and from start till exhaustion (1.4±0.3 vs. 1.8±0.5 °C; p=0.008), accelerated sweat loss (13±2 vs. 15±3 g min⁻¹; p=0.007), and led to a significant higher heart rate at the end of cool down (103±6 vs. 111±7 bpm; p=0.004). Correlation analysis revealed that core temperature development during submaximal walking and evaporation may play important roles for endurance performance. However, a critical core temperature of 40 °C, which is stated to be a crucial factor for central fatigue and performance limitation, was not reached either with the semi-clothed or the full-clothed ensemble (38.3±0.4 vs. 38.4±0.5 °C). Additionally, perceived exertion did not increase to a higher extent parallel with the rising core temperature with workwear which would substantiate the critical core temperature theory. In conclusion, increased heat stress led to cardiovascular exercise limitation rather than central fatigue.     

Does local immersion in thermo-neutral bath influence surface EMG measurements? Results of an experimental trial

This study investigated the effect of water immersion on surface electromyography (EMG) signals recorded from the brachioradial muscle of 11 healthy subjects, both in a dry environment and a thermo-neutral forearm bath (36 °C). EMG measurements were registered in a sitting position, using waterproof electrodes under 3 conditions: relaxed muscle, maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVC, 1 s, grip test) and 70% of the MVC (5 s). In relaxed muscle, mean EMG values were significantly higher under immersion compared to the dry conditions (dry: 5.4 ± 3.6 μV; water: 19.5 ± 14.9 μV; p = 0.014). In maximum voluntary isometric contraction, there was a significant difference, though not in the same direction (dry: 145.9 ± 58.9 μV; water: 73.2 ± 35.0 μV; p = 0.003). Under 70% MVC, there was no difference between wet and dry conditions (dry: 102.4 ± 75.0 μV; water: 100.4 ± 65.3 μV; p = 0.951). Results suggest that dry and underwater conditions influence EMG readings; however, the results are inconsistent. These findings indicate additional influences on resting muscle activity, as well as MVC. Further measurements with other muscle groups and different types of immersion are needed to clarify conflicting observations.     

Soil quality assessment of coastal wetlands in the Yellow River Delta of China based on the minimum data set

Little information is available to assess the dynamic changes in wetland soil quality in coastal regions, though it is essential for wetland conservation and management. Soil samples were collected in Suaeda salsa wetlands (SWs), Tamarix chinensis wetlands (TWs), Suaeda salsa–Tamarix chinensis wetlands (STWs), freshwater Phragmites australis wetlands (FPWs) and saltwater Phragmites australis wetlands (SPWs) in three sampling periods (i.e., summer and autumn of 2007 and spring of 2008). According to the flooding characteristics of these wetlands, the study area could be grouped into three sub-regions: short-term flooding region (STFR), seasonal flooding region (SFR) and tidal flooding region (TFR). Soil quality was evaluated using the soil quality index (SQI), which was calculated using the selected minimum data set (MDS) based on principal components analysis (PCA). Our results showed that soil salt content (SSC), total carbon (TC), magnesium (Mg), nitrate nitrogen (NO₃⁻-N) and total sulfur (TS) consisted of a MDS among 13 soil properties. The SQI values varied from 0.18 to 0.66 for all soil samples, of which the highest and lowest SQI values were observed in TFR. The average SQI values were significantly higher in summer (0.50 ± 0.13) than in spring (0.37 ± 0.13) and autumn (0.36 ± 0.11) in the whole study area (p < 0.05). The average SQI values followed the order STFR (0.44 ± 0.12) > TFR (0.41 ± 0.15) > SFR (0.35 ± 0.09) although no significant differences were observed among the three regions (p > 0.05). SPWs and SWs soils showed higher SQI values (0.50 ± 0.10 and 0.47 ± 0.15, respectively) than TWs (0.30 ± 0.08) soils (p < 0.05). The SSC was the dominant factor of soil quality with its proportion of 34.1% contributing to the SQI values, followed by TC (24.5%) and Mg (24.1%). Correlation analysis also showed that SQI values were significantly negatively correlated with SSC. SSC might be a characteristic indicator of wetland soil quality assessment in coastal regions. The findings of this study showed that the SQI based on MDS is a powerful tool for wetland soil quality assessment.     

A reduced core to skin temperature gradient,not a critical core temperature,affects aerobic capacity in the heat

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of the core to skin temperature gradient during incremental running to volitional fatigue across varying environmental conditions. A secondary aim was to determine if a “critical” core temperature would dictate volitional fatigue during running in the heat. 60 participants (n=49 male, n=11 female; 24±5 yrs, 177±11 cm, 75±13 kg) completed the study. Participants were uniformly stratified into a specific exercise temperature group (18 °C, 26 °C, 34 °C, or 42 °C) based on a 3-mile run performance. Participants were equipped with core and chest skin temperature sensors and a heart rate monitor, entered an environmental chamber (18 °C, 26 °C, 34 °C, or 42 °C), and rested in the seated position for 10 min before performing a walk/run to volitional exhaustion. Initial treadmill speed was 3.2 km h⁻¹ with a 0% grade. Every 3 min, starting with speed, speed and grade increased in an alternating pattern (speed increased by 0.805 km h⁻¹, grade increased by 0.5%). Time to volitional fatigue was longer for the 18 °C and 26 °C group compared to the 42 °C group, (58.1±9.3 and 62.6±6.5 min vs. 51.3±8.3 min, respectively, p<0.05). At the half-way point and finish, the core to skin gradient for the 18 °C and 26 °C groups was larger compared to 42 °C group (halfway: 2.6±0.7 and 2.0±0.6 vs. 1.3±0.5 for the 18 °C, 26 °C and 42 °C groups, respectively; finish: 3.3±0.7 and 3.5±1.1 vs. 2.1±0.9 for the 26 °C, 34 °C, and 42 °C groups, respectively, p<0.05). Sweat rate was lower in the 18 °C group compared to the 26 °C, 34 °C, and 42 °C groups, 3.6±1.3 vs. 7.2±3.0, 7.1±2.0, and 7.6±1.7 g m⁻² min⁻¹, respectively, p<0.05. There were no group differences in core temperature and heart rate response during the exercise trials. The current data demonstrate a 13% and 22% longer run time to exhaustion for the 18 °C and 26 °C group, respectively, compared to the 42 °C group despite no differences in beginning and ending core temperatures or baseline 3-mile run time. This capacity difference appears to result from a magnified core to skin gradient via an environmental temperature advantageous to convective heat loss, and in part from an increased sweat rate.     

Hyperuricemia and metabolic syndrome in children with overweight and obesity

ObjectiveTo study the prevalence of hyperuricemia in children with overweight or obesity and analyze the relation with metabolic syndrome and the diseases that define it.Materials and methodsThis is a cross-sectional prevalence study in 148 children recruited from pediatric endocrinology consultation, with overweight or obesity (12 ± 3 years, 48% boys, BMI 31.8 ± 6.1). We measured BMI, waist-height, waist circumference, blood pressure with standard instrumentation and glucose (fasting and after overload with 75 g), insulin resistance, cholesterol HDL, triglycerides and uric acid.ResultsThe prevalence of hyperuricemia was 53%. Patients with hyperuricemia had greater BMI (33.9 vs 30.6, p = 0.003), plus waist circumference (101.4 vs 91.1 cm, p < 0.001), higher blood pressure: systolic (123.4 vs 111.9 mm Hg, p < 0.001), diastolic (78.2 vs 68.7 mm Hg, p < 0.001). They presented greater blood glucose after overload oral glucose (107.5 vs 100.7 mg/dl, p = 0.03), insulin was higher (29.2 vs 20.7 mg/dl, p = 0.001) as well as HOMA IR (6.5 vs 4.4, p < 0.001) and HDL levels were lower (49.5 vs 54.4 mg/dl, p = 0.02).Uric acid's level which most is the likely diagnosis of metabolic syndrome corresponds to 5.4 mg/dl in our sample (sensitivity: 64% and specificity 62%).ConclusionThe prevalence of hyperuricemia in children with overweight and obesity is high. In the group of patients with obesity and hyperuricemia, we found out that the parameters measured to diagnose with metabolic syndrome were less favorable. Uric acid's level from where there is a higher possibility to see metabolic syndrome is 5.4 mg/dl.     

Acute effect of heel-drop exercise with varying ranges of motion on the gastrocnemius aponeurosis-tendon’s mechanical properties

The objectives of this study was to investigate the acute effects of various magnitudes of tendon strain on the mechanical properties of the human medial gastrocnemius (MG) in vivo during controlled heel-drop exercises. Seven male and seven female volunteers performed two different exercises executed one month apart: one was a heel-drop exercise on a block (HDB), and the other was a heel-drop exercise on level floor (HDL). In each regimen, the subjects completed a session of 150 heel-drop exercises (15 repetitions × 10 sets; with a 30 s rest following each set). Before and immediately after the heel-drop exercise, the ankle plantar flexor torque and elongation of the MG were measured using a combined measurement system of dynamometry and ultrasonography and then the MG tendon strain and stiffness were evaluated in each subject. The tendon stiffness measured prior to the exercises was not significantly different between the two groups 23.7 ± 10.6 N/mm and 24.1 ± 10.0 N/mm for the HDB and HDL, respectively (p > .05). During the heel-drop exercise, it was found that the tendon strain during the heel-drop exercise on a block (8.4 ± 3.7%) was significantly higher than the strain measured on the level floor (5.4 ± 3.8%) (p < .05). In addition, the tendon stiffness following the heel-drop exercise on a block (32.3 ± 12.2 N/mm) was significantly greater than the tendon stiffness measured following the heel-drop exercise on the level floor (25.4 ± 11.4 N/mm) (p < .05). The results of this study suggest that tendon stiffness immediately following a heel-drop exercise depends on the magnitude of tendon strain.     

Efecto positivo de la terapia de luz brillante sobre el estado de ánimo y la calidad del sueño en las personas mayores institucionalizadas

IntroductionBright light exposure during the day has a positive effect on health and its deficit can cause multiple physiological and cognitive disorders, including depression. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of bright light therapy (BLT) on the quality of sleep and mood emotional state; cognitive status, global deterioration and quality of life in institutionalized elderly.Material and methodsThis is a study with repeated measures design. Thirty-seven older people admitted to a nursing home. The study lasted 3 weeks. The first week, the reference values were established with the Oviedo Sleep Questionnaire, Yesavage Depression Scale, Mini-Mental, Global Scale of Impairment and European Quality of Life Questionnaire. During the second week, they were exposed to BLT (7,000-10,000 lx at eye level) between 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. During the third week, all the data were re-evaluated.ResultsAll variables improved significantly after the application of light therapy. Sleep (COS) pre-test 4.1 ± 1.49, post-test 4.9 ± 1.46, p: 0.01), mood (pre-test 3.65 ± 2.78, post-test 2.65 ± 2.9, p: 0.01), cognitive state (pre-test 22.72 ± 6.53, post-test 24 ± 5.92, p: 0.001), state of global deterioration (pre-test 3.10 ± 1.26, post-test 2.72 ± 5.92, p: 0.001) and health-related quality of life (pre-test 6.93 ± 1.86, post-test 7.82 ± 1.62, p: 0.001).ConclusionsSleep quality, mood, cognitive status, global deterioration status and quality of life significantly improved after the application of light bright therapy.     

Repetitive eccentric muscle contractions increase torque unsteadiness in the human triceps brachii

Torque steadiness and low-frequency fatigue (LFF) were examined in the human triceps brachii after concentric or eccentric fatigue protocols. Healthy young males (n = 17) performed either concentric or eccentric elbow extensor contractions until the eccentric maximal voluntary torque decreased to 75% of pre-fatigue for both (concentric and eccentric) protocols. The number of concentric contractions was greater than the number of eccentric contractions needed to induce the same 25% decrease in eccentric MVC torque (52.2 ± 2.9 vs. 41.5 ± 2.1 for the concentric and eccentric protocols, respectively, p < .01). The extent of peripheral fatigue was ～12% greater after the concentric compared to the eccentric protocol (twitch amplitude), whereas LFF (increase in double pulse torque/single pulse torque), was similar across protocols. Steadiness, or the ability for a subject to hold a submaximal isometric contraction, was ～20 % more impaired during the Ecc protocol (p = .052). Similarly, the EMG activity required to hold the torque steady was nearly 20% greater after the eccentric compared to concentric protocol. These findings support that task dependent eccentric contractions preferentially alter CNS control during a precision based steadiness task.     

Foraminiferal assemblage indices: A comparison of sediment and reef rubble samples from Conch Reef,Florida, USA

Benthic foraminiferal assemblages are increasingly utilized as indicators of water and sediment quality in coastal-marine environments. Most reef-dwelling foraminifers live on firm substrata such as reef or phytal surfaces, while most assessments have examined assemblages from sediments. This case study compared relative abundances of total foraminiferal-shell assemblages between sediment and phytal/rubble samples collected from one reef within one week. A total of 117 species within 72 genera were identified, with the same taxa in both sample sets in different proportions. Larger benthic foraminifers and some agglutinated taxa were concentrated about 1.5–3 fold in sediment samples, while nearly two-thirds of small, fragile shells were lost. Several common indices were compared, including Taxonomic Richness (number of genera), Shannon (H), Simpson's (D) and Fisher (α) diversity indices, Evenness (E), and the FORAM Index (FI). Highly significant differences (p < 0.001) between shell assemblages from 13 sets of phytal/rubble substrata and sediments were found in mean number (± standard deviation) of genera (49 ± 4 vs. 34 ± 10) and mean FI (5.6 ± 0.8 vs. 3.6 ± 0.4); both reflecting greater relative abundances of smaller foraminifers in the rubble samples. Fisher diversity was marginally significant (p = 0.05); other indices showed no significant differences between sample types. Although assessment of total assemblages is substantially less costly than distinguishing between specimens that were live or dead when collected, many researchers report those distinctions. The results of our study provide insight that can assist interpretations of studies that use live assemblages to calculate the FI, rather than total assemblages for which it was originally developed.     

Nutrient concentrations in tidal creeks as indicators of the water quality role of mangrove wetlands in Southwest Florida

Coastal mangroves have the potential to improve the water quality of urban and rural runoff before it is discharged into adjacent coastal bays and oceans; but they also can be impaired by excessive pollutants from upstream. Nutrients (phosphorus and nitrogen), salinity, and other water quality parameters were measured in five mangrove tidal creeks in different hydrogeomorphic and urbanization settings during high and low tides over a calendar year of wet (June and August 2015) and dry (February and April 2016) seasons in the Greater Naples Bay area in Southwest Florida, USA. Nutrient concentrations (ave. ± std error) in the tidal creeks were 0.055 ± 0.008 mg-P/L for total phosphorus (TP) and 0.610 ± 0.020 mg-N/L for total nitrogen (TN), with an average N:P ratio of 11.4:1. Average wet season TP (0.075 ± 0.010 mg-P/L) was significantly higher than the dry season TP (0.033 ± 0.003 mg-P/L; p < 0.01, f = 15.17, f_crit = 3.89) and the average wet season TN (0.75 ± 0.03 mg-N/L) was significantly higher than dry season TN (0.52 ± 0.02 mg/L; p < 0.01, f = 64.14, f_crit = 3.89), suggesting that urban stormwater runoff is directly or indirectly affecting the nutrient conditions in these mangroves. Significant differences in nutrient concentrations between low tide and high tide were not found for either TP (p = 0.43, f = .63, f_crit = 3.88) or TN (p = 0.20, f = 1.66, f_crit = 3.89). These differences were confirmed by a PCA and cluster analyses, which found differences to be seasonal. We could not conclude from these results whether these five mangrove wetlands were sources nor sinks of nutrients based simply on the measurement of nutrient concentrations. But we illustrated that nutrient concentrations were indicators of the mangroves’ hydrogeomorphic settings, their tidal fluxes from Naples Bay, and the Bay's upstream watersheds, and less by direct urban runoff.     

Electromyographic patterns of lower limb muscles during apprehensive gait in younger and older female adults

ObjectiveInvestigate the influence of apprehensive gait on activation and cocontraction of lower limb muscles of younger and older female adults.MethodsData of 17 younger (21.47 ± 2.06 yr) and 18 older women (65.33 ± 3.14 yr) were considered for this study. Participants walked on the treadmill at two different conditions: normal gait and apprehensive gait. The surface electromyographic signals (EMG) were recorded during both conditions on: rectus femoris (RF), vastus lateralis (VL), vastus medialis (VM), biceps femoris (BF), tibialis anterior (TA), gastrocnemius lateralis (GL), and soleus (SO).ResultsApprehensive gait promoted greater activation of thigh muscles than normal gait (F = 5.34 and p = 0.007, for significant main effect of condition; RF, p = 0.002; VM, p < 0.001; VL, p = 0.003; and BF, p = 0.001). Older adults had greater cocontraction of knee and ankle stabilizer muscles than younger women (F = 4.05 and p = 0.019, for significant main effect of groups; VM/BF, p = 0.010; TA/GL, p = 0.007; and TA/SO, p = 0.002).ConclusionApprehensive gait promoted greater activation of thigh muscles and older adults had greater cocontraction of knee and ankle stabilizer muscles. Thus, apprehensive gait may leads to increased percentage of neuromuscular capacity, which is associated with greater cocontraction and contribute to the onset of fatigue and increased risk of falling in older people.     

Oxidative stress and DNA damage in relation to transition metals overload in Abu-Qir Bay,Egypt

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the transition metals overload in Abu-Qir Bay in Egypt, as compared to a less polluted area (reference area) through some biomarkers of oxidative stress. Catalase enzyme activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration and DNA damage (number of apurinic/apyrimidinic sites) were the tested biomarkers. The levels of iron and copper in Mugil cephalus liver tissues were significantly higher in samples from the polluted area as compared to the reference area: Fe: 407 ± 38 vs. 216 ± 21 μg/g wet wt; p = 0.008, Cu: 54 ± 6 vs. 17.7 ± 4 μg/g wet wt; p = 0.0001. This could account for the observed increase in MDA concentration (15.7 ± 5.7 vs. 2.5 ± 0.5 U/g; p = 0.035), and the elevated number of AP sites (13.9 ± 2.6 vs. 0.37 ± 0.2 AP site/1 × 10⁵ bp; p = 0.0001). Similarly, the activity of catalase enzyme responsible for the cellular defense was significantly high (58.3 ± 12.2 vs. 28.4 ± 4.0 U/mg; p = 0.032). The present data indicated a clear relationship between the pollution degree of the above marine environment and both biochemical and molecular responses of the piscine system.     

Ghrelin and peptide YY increase with weight loss during a 12-month intervention to reduce dietary energy density in obese women

Reducing dietary energy density (ED) promotes weight loss; however, underlying mechanisms are not well understood. The purpose of this study was to determine if low-ED diets facilitate weight loss through actions on ghrelin and peptide YY (PYY), independent of influences of psychosocial measures. Seventy-one obese women (BMI 30–40 kg/m²) ages 22–60 years received counseling to reduce ED. Fasting blood samples were analyzed for total ghrelin and total PYY by radioimmunoassay at months 0, 3, 6, and 12. Restraint, disinhibition, and hunger were assessed by the Eating Inventory. Body weight (−7.8 ± 0.5 kg), BMI (−2.9 ± 0.2 kg/m²), body fat (−3.0 ± 0.3%), and ED (−0.47 ± 0.05 kcal/g or −1.97 ± 0.21 kJ/g) decreased from months 0 to 6 (p < 0.05) after which no change occurred from months 6 to 12. Ghrelin increased in a curvilinear fashion (month 0: 973 ± 39, month 3: 1024 ± 37, month 6: 1109 ± 44, and month 12: 1063 ± 45 pg/ml, p < 0.001) and PYY increased linearly (month 0: 74.2 ± 3.1, month 3: 76.4 ± 3.2, month 6: 77.2 ± 3.0, month 12: 82.8 ± 3.2 pg/ml, p < 0.001). ED, body weight, and hunger predicted ghrelin, with ED being the strongest predictor (ghrelin = 2674.8 + 291.6 × ED − 19.2 × BW − 15 × H; p < 0.05). There was a trend toward a significant association between ED and PYY (PYY = 115.0 − 43.1 × ED; p = 0.05). Reductions in ED may promote weight loss and weight loss maintenance by opposing increases in ghrelin and promoting increases in PYY.     

Torque-onset determination: Unintended consequences of the threshold method

Background: Compared with visual torque-onset-detection (TOD), threshold-based TOD produces onset bias, which increases with lower torques or rates of torque development (RTD). Purpose: To compare the effects of differential TOD-bias on common contractile parameters in two torque-disparate groups. Methods: Fifteen boys and 12 men performed maximal, explosive, isometric knee-extensions. Torque and EMG were recorded for each contraction. Best contractions were selected by peak torque (MVC) and peak RTD. Visual-TOD-based torque-time traces, electromechanical delays (EMD), and times to peak RTD (tRTD) were compared with corresponding data derived from fixed 4-N m- and relative 5%MVC-thresholds. Results: The 5%MVC TOD-biases were similar for boys and men, but the corresponding 4-N m-based biases were markedly different (40.3 ± 14.1 vs. 18.4 ± 7.1 ms, respectively; p < 0.001). Boys–men EMD differences were most affected, increasing from 5.0 ms (visual) to 26.9 ms (4 N m; p < 0.01). Men’s visually-based torque kinetics tended to be faster than the boys’ (NS), but the 4-N m-based kinetics erroneously depicted the boys as being much faster to any given %MVC (p < 0.001). Conclusions: When comparing contractile properties of dissimilar groups, e.g., children vs. adults, threshold-based TOD methods can misrepresent reality and lead to erroneous conclusions. Relative-thresholds (e.g., 5% MVC) still introduce error, but group-comparisons are not confounded.     

Kinematic chain reactions on trunk and dynamic postural steadiness in subjects with recurrent low back pain

Although subjects with recurrent low back pain (LBP) demonstrate altered trunk control, the kinematic and kinetic responses of the trunk have not been carefully investigated. This study was conducted to compare the standing time, spine range of motion (ROM), and dynamic postural steadiness index (DPSI) based on visual condition between subjects with and without recurrent LBP during upright one leg standing. Sixty-three individuals participated in the study, including 34 control subjects and 29 subjects with recurrent LBP. The DPSI was a composite of the medio-lateral (MLSI), anterior-posterior (APSI), and vertical steadiness indices (VSI) on a force platform. The control group demonstrated longer standing time (s) during the eyes-open condition than the LBP group (26.82 ± 6.03 vs. 19.87 ± 9.36; t = 2.96, p = 0.01). Regarding spine ROM, visual condition was significantly different between groups (F = 7.09, p = 0.01) and demonstrated interactions with spine region and group (F = 5.53, p = 0.02). For the kinetic measures, there was a significant interaction between visual conditions and indices (F = 25.30, p = 0.001). In the LBP group, the DPSI was significantly correlated with the MLSI (r = 0.59, p = 0.002), APSI (r = 0.44, p = 0.03), and VSI (r = 0.98, p = 0.01) in the eyes-closed condition. Overall, the results of this study indicated that the LBP group decreased thorax and lumbar spine rotations during the eyes-closed condition. The LBP group also demonstrated positive correlations with the kinetic indices, enhancing dynamic postural steadiness in the eyes-closed condition in order to possibly avoid pain or further injury. This dynamic postural steadiness strategy is necessary to improve kinetic and kinematic chain reactions in the LBP group. This compensatory pattern supports the development of optimal postural correction strategies to prevent LBP recurrence and might represent a chain reaction to protect trunk control without visual input.     

Effects of gender and age on median and ulnar nerve sensory responses over ring finger

ObjectiveTo analyze the effect of gender on median nerve (MN) and ulnar nerve (UN) sensorial responses over ring finger (RF).Materials and methodsResults of individuals admitted to our ENMG laboratory between June 2011 and March 2012 for nerve conduction studies (NCSs) were retrospectively analyzed. Sensory NCSs were performed by standard antidromic technique.ResultsTotally, 112 normal recordings belong to 100 patients were included. Mean antidromic sensory conduction velocity of MNs (wrist-to-second finger) or UNs (wrist-to-fifth finger) was not different between two genders. Mean sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) amplitude of MN from second finger was also not different between two genders. However, mean SNAP amplitude of UN from fifth finger was higher in females. In RF’s sensorial response studies; mean peak latency of MN was similar between females and males (3.05 ± 0.25 ms vs. 3.14 ± 0.29 ms, p = 0.111), whereas one of UN was shorter in females (2.86 ± 0.22 ms vs. 3.04 ± 0.31 ms, p = 0.001). MN to UN latency difference to RF was greater in females than males (0.19 ± 0.15 ms vs. 0.10 ± 0.16 ms, p = 0.007). Mean SNAP amplitude of MN and UN were both higher in females than males (17.9 ± 7.1 μV vs. 14.1 ± 5.5 μV, p = 0.011 and 18.5 ± 8.0 μV vs. 12.9 ± 6.1 μV, p = 0.0009, respectively). All data of NCSs were re-analyzed after adjustment for age, and obtained findings regarding effect of aging are also included.ConclusionGender has a prominent effect on RF’s sensorial responses. Normative values regarding them should be prepared with adjustment for gender.     

Renal GLUT1 reduction depends on angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition in diabetic hypertensive rats

AimsAngiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are used in diabetic kidney disease to reduce systemic/intra-glomerular pressure. The objective of this study was to investigate whether reducing blood pressure (BP) could modulate renal glucose transporter expression, and urinary markers of diabetic nephropathy in diabetic hypertensive rats treated with ramipril or amlodipine.Main methodsDiabetes was induced in spontaneously-hypertensive rats (~ 210 g) by streptozotocin (50 mg/kg). Thirty days later, animals received ramipril 15 μg/kg/day (R, n = 10), or amlodipine 10 mg/kg/day (A, n = 8,) or water (C, n = 10) by gavage. After 30-day treatment, body weight, glycaemia, urinary albumin and TGF-β1 (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and BP (tail-cuff pressure method) were evaluated. Kidneys were removed for evaluation of renal cortex glucose transporters (Western blotting) and renal tissue ACE activity (fluorometric assay).Key findingsAfter treatments, body weight (p = 0.77) and glycaemia (p = 0.22) were similar among the groups. Systolic BP was similarly reduced (p < 0.001) in A and R vs. C (172.4 ± 3.2; 186.7 ± 3.7 and 202.2 ± 4.3 mm Hg; respectively). ACE activity (C: 0.903 ± 0.086; A: 0.654 ± 0.025, and R: 0.389 ± 0.057 mU/mg), albuminuria (C: 264.8 ± 15.4; A: 140.8 ± 13.5 and R: 102.8 ± 6.7 mg/24 h), and renal cortex GLUT1 content (C: 46.81 ± 4.54; A: 40.30 ± 5.39 and R: 26.89 ± 0.79 AU) decreased only in R (p < 0.001, p < 0.05 and p < 0.001; respectively).SignificanceWe concluded that the blockade of the renin–angiotensin system with ramipril reduced early markers of diabetic nephropathy, a phenomenon that cannot be specifically related to decreased BP levels.     

Serum sialic acid changes in non-insulin-dependant diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) patients following bitter melon (Momordica charantia) and rosiglitazone (Avandia) treatment

Diabetes mellitus is associated with an increase in sialic acid concentration along with other complications. Sialic acid changes in NIDDM patients were investigated following bitter melon (55 ml/24 h) and rosiglitazone (4 mg/24 h) treatment. A total of 25 patients of both sexes were used in each experimental group. Patients following bitter melon treatment showed no significant difference of serum sialic acid (57.95±4.90 vs. 57.6±5.56 mg/dl, p=0.17) and serum glucose concentration (93.7±9.63 vs. 88.35±6.31 mg/dl, p=0.78) as compared to control subjects. However, the concentration of total cholesterol was significantly high in these patients as compared to control subjects (192±14.23 vs. 170.6±15.1 mg/dl, p<0.03) but within normal range (160–200 mg/dl), suggesting the significant hypoglycemic and lipid-lowering properties of bitter melon. The patients following rosiglitazone treatment showed a significant increase of serum sialic acid concentration (60.2±5.80 vs. 57.6±5.56 mg/dl, p=0.01) along with glucose (112±6.2 vs. 88.35±6.31 mg/dl, p<0.04) and total cholesterol concentration (216.45±20.2 vs. 170.6±15.1 mg/dl, p<0.01) as compared to control subjects. In addition six of the patients had retinopathy, two of whom were suffering also from myocardial infarction and they still had a higher serum sialic acid (61.05±1.20 mg/dl), glucose (187±2.11 mg/dl), total cholesterol (239.10±5.04 mg/dl) and triglyceride (183±4.14 mg/dl) concentration, indicating a poor response of these patients to rosiglitazone. Comparison of serum sialic acid concentration of patients, following bitter melon and rosiglitazone treatment revealed no significant difference but the study showed that bitter melon could be more effective in the management of diabetes and its related complications as compared to rosiglitazone.     

Plasma levels of kisspeptins in postmenopausal Chinese women do not show substantial elevation

The menopause, defined as the permanent cessation of menstruation resulting from ovarian failure, is characterized by elevated levels of serum gonadotropins. Recent studies have demonstrated that the gonadotropin hypersecretion in postmenopausal women is secondary to increase of KiSS-1 mRNA from the hypothalamus neurons, which encoded kisspeptin peptides. The present study was designed to determine whether plasma kisspeptins levels are altered in postmenopausal women. Blood samples were taken from 145 postmenopausal women, 35 young women and 30 pregnant women control in the first trimester. The plasma concentration of kisspeptins, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and estradiol (E₂) was measured using immunoassay kits. Results indicated that plasma kisspeptins levels in postmenopausal women had higher than those in young women (5.25 ± 0.36; 4.48 ± 0.34 pmol/L), but no significant difference was found between the two groups (p = 0.179). Plasma FSH and LH levels were significantly higher in postmenopausal women (124.67 ± 12.78, 57.14 ± 3.57 mIu/mL) than those in young women (9.23 ± 2.78, 7.56 ± 2.71 mIu/mL, p < 0.001). However, Plasma kisspeptins levels were not significantly correlated to FSH and LH in postmenopausal women (r = ?0.23, 0.324; p = 0.927, 0.176, respectively), and also there was no any correlation between plasma kisspeptins and E₂ in postmenopausal women (r = ?0.065; p = 0.792). Collectively, there was no significant difference in plasma kisspeptins levels between postmenopausal and young women. Our result suggested that kisspeptins’ role during menopause might mainly act in central rather than peripheral system and it could not be currently used as a clinical marker for menopause.